Miles
Miles is a boys' name of French origin meaning “grace, favour.” It ranked #44 in the United States in 2025.
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how do you pronounce Miles?
MYLZ
where does the name Miles come from?
The soldier meaning usually attached to Miles is folk etymology. The name comes from the Norman French Milo, of uncertain origin, possibly a short form of names beginning with mil-, grace or favour; the Latin miles, soldier, was read into it later. It may also be a diminutive of Michael reshaped by that Latin word.
Miles comes from the Norman French Milo, of uncertain origin, possibly from names beginning with mil-, grace or favour; the link with the Latin miles, soldier, is folk etymology. It has long had aristocratic and intellectual associations in the English-speaking world.
how popular is this name?
Miles has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 146 years since 1880. It peaked at #37 in 2024, and ranked #44 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #44 |
| 2024 | #37 |
| 2023 | #43 |
| 2022 | #56 |
| 2021 | #55 |
| 2020 | #59 |
| 2019 | #75 |
| 2018 | #98 |
| 2017 | #110 |
| 2016 | #105 |
| 2010 | #137 |
| 2000 | #257 |
| 1990 | #269 |
| 1980 | #490 |
| 1970 | #532 |
| 1960 | #442 |
| 1950 | #374 |
| 1940 | #471 |
| 1930 | #461 |
| 1920 | #390 |
| 1910 | #345 |
| 1900 | #277 |
| 1890 | #246 |
| 1880 | #216 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Miles fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Miles
The name reached England with the Normans and has been in use since. Because the two proposed derivations pull in opposite directions — grace on one side, a soldier on the other — the meaning a family intends depends entirely on which account they follow, and the martial reading is the later of the two.
who are famous people named Miles?
- Miles Davis (jazz musician)
- Miles Morales (Spider-Man character)
- Miles Teller (actor)
what are the nicknames and variants of Miles?
Nicknames
what names are similar to Miles?
what names go well with Miles?
Sibling names that share Miles's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Miles
What does the name Miles mean?
Miles means “grace, favour”.
What is the origin of the name Miles?
Miles comes from the French naming tradition. Related forms include Myles, Milo and Milan.
How popular is the name Miles?
Miles ranked #44 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2024, at #37, and it has spent 146 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Miles a boy or girl name?
Miles is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Miles?
Miles is pronounced MYLZ, with 1 syllable.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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